I feel like burning a yule log...or maybe just eating one

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

With Winter Solstice within arms reach I find myself dreaming of snow and dark nights lit by candle light. There are many cultures around the world that celebrate the Winter Solstice even those who follow Christian traditions throughout the year join in on the merriment. I think it is a wonderful way to add to the season of Christmas another way to celebrate without the commercialism and materialism that our other Christmas traditions bring with them. I am going to burn a Yule log this year complete with mistletoe and rosemary and of course holly and ivy and drink glogg and possibly even attempt to make a chocolate Yule log. Yikes - jellyroll pans scare me! Looks like it will be warmish so we will maybe even enjoy a day at the Arboretum.

Yule Log Recipe : http://www.joyofbaking.com/YuleLog.html

Glogg recipe: http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/restaurantsdining/r/gloggrecipe.htm